Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread

Okay, this bread is kinda magic. It’s warm, gooey, cheesy, and sweet all at once. We’re talking Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread.

I made it for a little get-together, and wow—it disappeared so fast. The sourdough gets all crispy, the brie melts like a dream, and the cranberry? Just the perfect pop.

It feels fancy, but it’s really easy. Just slice, stuff, and bake. It’s like a party in a loaf.

You totally need to make this. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or whenever. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Gatherings: This pull-apart bread is a fun and interactive appetizer. No need for knives and forks—just tear, dip, and enjoy!
• Flavors That Pop: The combination of brie cheese and cranberry sauce gives each bite the perfect balance of creamy, tart, and sweet.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create this mouthwatering bread.
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with the fillings. You can add herbs, swap cheeses, or even mix in some nuts for extra texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the bread in advance and pop it into the oven just before serving. It’s that easy!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools on hand to make the process smooth and effortless:

• Baking Sheet or Cast Iron Skillet: For baking the bread.
• Sharp Knife: To carefully slice the sourdough bread without cutting all the way through.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter on the bread for a golden, crispy finish.
• Small Mixing Bowl: To combine the cranberry sauce, brie, and herbs.
• Serving Platter: To present this mouthwatering bread beautifully to your guests.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish. I’ve provided the exact measurements below to ensure you get that perfect balance of flavors:

• Round Sourdough Bread Loaf: The dense texture of sourdough is key to holding the fillings together. You can also substitute with French bread or a boule if desired.
• Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, or make your own. Homemade cranberry sauce is simple to prepare and adds a fresh burst of flavor.
• Brie Cheese (cut into small pieces): Brie is the perfect cheese for this recipe because it melts beautifully and has a creamy, rich flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with Camembert for a similar effect.
• Fresh Rosemary (chopped): This herb provides an aromatic touch and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. If you don’t have rosemary on hand, feel free to use thyme or sage.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): This adds flavor and helps achieve that golden, crispy top. You can also use olive oil as a substitute if you’d prefer.
• Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of salt and pepper will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sourdough Bread

The first step is preparing the sourdough bread to hold the delicious filling. Using a sharp knife, slice the bread in a crisscross pattern, creating a grid of squares. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the loaf—just make deep cuts that go about 3/4 of the way through the bread. This allows the fillings to sink in without the bread falling apart.

Once the bread is sliced, place it on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet. This is where the bread will bake and get all crispy and delicious!

2. Combine the Filling Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, brie cheese, and chopped rosemary. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. If you’re using homemade cranberry sauce, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before mixing it in with the brie. The warm, melted cheese will absorb the cranberry sauce’s tartness and sweetness, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

3. Fill the Bread

Now for the fun part—filling the bread! Gently pull apart the sliced sections of bread, and use a spoon to stuff the cranberry sauce and brie mixture into the cuts. Make sure each square of bread is filled with the delicious, creamy cheese and the tangy cranberry sauce. Don’t be afraid to pack it in—this will ensure that each bite has a perfect amount of filling.

4. Brush the Bread with Butter

Once the bread is filled, it’s time to brush the top with melted unsalted butter. The butter will help the bread become crispy and golden as it bakes, giving it a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce.

Be sure to brush the butter generously over the top, allowing some of it to seep into the cracks between the bread slices. This will make sure that every part of the loaf gets that golden, crispy finish.

5. Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your oven is ready, place the prepared sourdough bread in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

If you’re making this ahead of time, you can refrigerate the prepared bread and bake it just before serving. It’s a great way to prepare for a party or family gathering without any last-minute stress.

Serving and Decoration

Once the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread is out of the oven, it’s time to serve it! The crispy edges and gooey cheese will have your guests diving right in.

You can serve it on a platter with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a little extra decoration. For added flair, drizzle some more cranberry sauce on top of the bread just before serving. It’s both beautiful and adds even more of that sweet, tart cranberry flavor.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread

This cranberry brie pull-apart bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re serving it as a festive appetizer, a side dish, or even as a fun snack, it’s guaranteed to impress. Here are a few serving ideas and tips to elevate your bread experience.

1. Serve as a Party Appetizer

This bread is perfect for gatherings, especially during the holidays. Its interactive nature makes it ideal for parties or family get-togethers. You can place the bread in the center of the table and let guests tear off the pieces as they like. Pair it with a refreshing cocktail or a glass of wine, and you’ll have an appetizer that steals the show.

2. Pair with Soups and Salads

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread is also delicious when paired with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad. The rich, creamy brie and tangy cranberry complement the fresh flavors of a green salad. Try it with:

• Butternut Squash Soup: The slightly sweet and creamy soup pairs wonderfully with the tart cranberry and rich cheese in the bread.
• Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad: A fresh salad with creamy goat cheese and tangy vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the bread perfectly.
• Tomato Basil Soup: A classic combination that never disappoints. The cranberry and brie bread will add a new layer of flavor to the comforting soup.

3. Serve as a Main Dish for Brunch

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread makes a great centerpiece for brunch. Its flavor and heartiness will satisfy your guests, whether you’re serving it with scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or a sweet fruit salad. It’s also a great addition to a charcuterie board or cheese platter, where it complements other cheeses, cured meats, and crackers.

4. Dip It in More Cranberry Sauce

For extra sweetness and a tangy kick, serve this bread with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. The richness of the brie and the sweetness of the cranberry sauce makes the perfect combination. For an added twist, serve the cranberry sauce warmed up so it can melt into the bread and cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible texture.

Variations for Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Swap the Brie for Other Cheeses

While brie is perfect for this recipe because of its creamy texture and mild flavor, feel free to switch it out for other cheeses. Here are some great alternatives:

• Goat Cheese: Offers a tangier flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
• Fontina: A semi-soft cheese that melts well, providing a smooth and buttery texture.
• Gruyère: This Swiss cheese has a nutty flavor and melts perfectly into the bread.
• Cheddar: For a more savory version, swap out the brie for sharp cheddar to balance the sweetness of the cranberries.

2. Add Nuts for Crunch

For a delightful textural contrast, consider adding nuts to the filling. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be great options, offering a crunchy bite that complements the soft, gooey cheese and sweet cranberry sauce.

3. Try Different Herbs

While rosemary adds an aromatic note to the dish, you can experiment with different herbs to suit your tastes. Fresh thyme or sage would also work well with the flavors of brie and cranberry. These herbs will give the bread a savory edge that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.

4. Use a Different Jam or Jelly

If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, you can switch it out for a different type of fruit preserve. Here are some options:

• Raspberry Jam: A tart alternative to cranberry, offering a slightly different flavor but still pairing perfectly with brie.
• Apricot Jam: A sweet, floral option that adds a gentle, fruity flavor to the bread.
• Fig Jam: If you prefer a more savory-sweet combination, fig jam pairs wonderfully with cheese and adds a rich, earthy flavor.

5. Make It Sweet

For a sweet twist on this savory bread, you can add a bit of honey or brown sugar to the cranberry sauce before baking. This will enhance the sweetness and create a dessert-like version of the bread, perfect for a breakfast treat or dessert.

Storing Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread

If you have leftovers (although that’s unlikely because this bread is so irresistible!), you can store it for later use. Here’s how:

1. Storing Leftovers

Let the bread cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy texture.

2. Freezing the Bread

You can also freeze this pull-apart bread if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Simply assemble the bread and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, if you don’t have sourdough bread, you can substitute it with other types of rustic bread like a boule, French bread, or even ciabatta. Just make sure the bread is dense enough to hold the filling without falling apart.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works just as well as homemade cranberry sauce. If you’re short on time, this is a great shortcut. You can even use cranberry jelly if that’s your preference.

Can I make this bread in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the bread ahead of time! Simply assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready, bake it in the preheated oven, and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness.

Nutritional Information

While this Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread is undoubtedly a treat, it’s always a good idea to know what’s in your food. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming about 12 servings per loaf):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	200-250 kcal
Total Fat	12-15 g
Saturated Fat	6-8 g
Cholesterol	20-30 mg
Sodium	350-400 mg
Total Carbohydrates	20-25 g
Dietary Fiber	2-3 g
Sugars	5-8 g
Protein	5-6 g
Vitamin A	8% of Daily Value
Vitamin C	2-4% of Daily Value
Calcium	4-6% of Daily Value
Iron	6-8% of Daily Value

A Note on Calories and Portions

This bread is indulgent, so it’s best enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish rather than a main course. While it’s not a low-calorie dish, the combination of creamy cheese, savory bread, and tangy cranberry sauce makes it totally worth it for special occasions.

If you’re looking to reduce the calories or fat content, consider using a lighter cheese or reducing the amount of butter you brush on the bread. You can also serve smaller portions to keep things light and still satisfy your cravings!

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply looking for a delicious snack, this dish will definitely elevate your meal. The best part is that it’s as fun to eat as it is to make—just pull apart the bread, dip it in the gooey cheese and cranberry sauce, and enjoy the flavors that come together in each bite.

With simple ingredients like sourdough bread, brie cheese, and cranberry sauce, you can create a memorable dish that’s sure to impress your guests. The versatility of this bread allows you to experiment with different flavors, so you can customize it to your liking.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every cheesy, cranberry-filled bite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just craving a delicious treat, this pull-apart bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and found it easy to follow. Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. It combines the savory richness of brie with the sweet burst of cranberry, all wrapped in a deliciously crispy sourdough loaf. It’s bound to be a hit at your next event!

Let me know if you try it, and don’t hesitate to share your variations or thoughts. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!